Testimonials to Cot Campbell

Mack MillerCot and Anne have really invigorated our Aiken horse community, and both are deeply involved in Aiken's public affairs. Cot is called on so often to speak at meetings of civic clubs, and he is our favorite Master of Ceremonies for any Thoroughbred event. He is a superb spokesman for our industry, and we thank you, Cot, for promoting the racing world and our beloved Aiken, and for just being who you are.

* * *

Robert & Beverly LewisBeverly and I are very pleased to recognize Cot Campbell as the honored guest of the Thoroughbred Club of America Testimonial Dinner.

Over these recent years, we have participated in numerous partnerships with Cot and Anne Campbell. As in all phases of Thoroughbred racing, they have not all been winners, and yet on the other hand, we have received our share.

Cot and Anne bring so much to the sport of Thoroughbred racing, and for that reason we are so pleased to be associated with Dogwood Stable.

They are a top notch racing organization with a staff of extremely competent people.

* * *

Arnold KirkpatrickCot is the personification of all the qualities the Thoroughbred Club seeks in an honoree: He has provided great service to the Thoroughbred business, principally through opening up the joys and wonders of horse ownership to a multitude of people who would not have participated in the business on an individual basis. He has been a pioneer in the business, has invested heavily in it, and has been very successful. Cot also has been very active in our industry. He is a trustee of TOBA, a vice-president of the National Museum of Racing, a former president and co-founder of the Georgia TOBA, etc., etc., etc.

* * *

Brereton C. JonesWhen the history of the Thoroughbred industry is written for the latter part of the 20th Century and the first part of the 21st, Cot Campbell will certainly have at least a full chapter dedicated to him.

Cot has introduced more people to our industry than anyone I know. He has done it with style, wit and, above all, honesty. We all owe Cot and Anne a great deal of gratitude.

* * *

Ron StevensI went to work for Cot Campbell in 1981. It has been a tremendous privilege to be associated with someone so widely respected in the horse industry.

Over the past 23 years, I have found two facts to be true of Cot Campbell: First, in a business with high highs and low lows, Cot can handle the low times. He handles bad news with class, dignity, and understanding. When backed into a corner, Cot lets his naturally strong "creative" juices flow even stronger.

Second, when Cot Campbell tells another human being something, whether it be me, another trainer, clients, consignors, or whoever, they can "take it to the bank."

* * *

Martha GerryCot Campbell is a great contributor to racing. He attracts new owners; he works hard and successfully for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, as does his lovely wife Anne.

* * *

Angel Cordero Jr.I had heard of Mr. Campbell and Dogwood Stable for years before I ever rode any horses for them. He was known as a good horseman with a good eye who was consistently spoken of well. As I began to ride for him and get to know him better, I also realized what a great sense of humor he has. We always got along very well through many years of competing for and against one another. He paid me one of the biggest compliments I have ever received in his book "Lightning in a Jar." When asked which jockey he would choose for a race on which his life depended, he chose me. I have received many awards and accolades in my career, but Mr. Campbell's comment was one that truly touched me.

* * *

Jack H. Smith IIII moved from New York City to Atlanta in the fall of 1973 and met Cot almost immediately. He was trying to get out of the advertising business and into the horse business. Over the next few years, Cot and I talked horses a lot- there were only a few Thoroughbred folks around Atlanta in those days. Cot was kind enough to teach me the partnership business, and I have made a good living and had many exciting moments because of his help. Cot's ethics are the best - he has always warned the new investor that his is not a game for people "in short pants."

Congratulations to Cot on a well-deserved award.

* * *

Carl & Wanda NafzgerI wish to start out by saying the things that impress the most of Cot are his integrity, and belief in God. Always, his word is his word.

A story to justify the above starts in the year of Summer Squall and Unbridled. After the Kentucky Derby and before the Preakness, Cot re-marked to the press that Summer Squall would not run in New York be-cause of the no-Lasix rule, and that could be set in stone.

After Summer Squall won the Preakness, the press asked if Cot would change his mind and come to the Belmont. My comment was, "It may be set in stone, but that's what chisels are made for."

True to Cot's word, Summer Squall did not run in the Belmont. Thanks, for the million dollar bonus (earned by Unbridled), but we thank you most, Cot and Anne, for the good memories we have shared through the years.

* * *

William A.CarlThe cliche about "behind every successful man" should be amended in the case of Cot Campbell to "beside a successful man" His wife Anne has been a vibrant and essential companion and helpmate as Cot developed and sustained the success of Dogwood Stable. I have known them for more than 30 years and value their friendship as much as I admire Cot's continuing ability to purchase and campaign successful horses.

* * *

James E. Bassett IIIAuthor, owner, racing's impresario and ambassador extraordinaire, Cot Campbell has enhanced every furlong of his Thoroughbred journey, making this prestigious award even more deserving.

* * *

Paul R. OrefficeIn February 1992, I went with Cot to the 2-year-old in training sale at Calder. Cot wanted to take a second look at a scrawny, poorly presented son of Gulch. "I think he will become a glorious looking horse," he said. We bought Wallenda for $40,000 because nobody else saw what Cot did. Wallenda became a millionaire. I have seen this uncanny ability to spot potentially talented horses for the wonderful and exciting fifteen years we have been partners.

* * *

Robert N. ClayCot Campbell has done more than anybody to bring new players into our game. His honest approach to owning racehorses has provided much fun and excitement, and often times substantial returns for his partners. His talent, his charm, his wit and his lovely wife, Anne, have made racing a more pleasant place to be for all of us.

* * *

Todd PletcherMr. Campbell is a very straightforward man. He loves the game, loves the competition, and loves to run his horses. He has never said No when I mentioned a race I would like to enter. He can accomplish a lot in a very short period of time, conducting his business efficiently and professionally. We often cover the training and racing agendas of 10-12 horses in less than five minutes. He knows how to win, is never self-important and is always quick to compliment others. More importantly, he knows how to lose. He doesn't castigate or complain. Rather, he analyzes the situation and moves on - a valuable trait not just in an owner, but in a person.

* * *

Lee EatonCot was a great customer of Eaton-Williams Sales. He came up with the idea of deferred payment. Our people were willing to go along with his terms of purchase. This made us sure he would be bidding, and he never failed to meet his obligation. He was an important guy to see coming to our shed. It was a stroke of luck that John Williams and I wound up with an interest in Summer Squall, and it was a lot of fun watching him. Thank you, Cot.

* * *

Stanley D. Petter, Jr.The Thoroughbred Club of America is to be congratulated on returning the testimonial dinner to its original purpose to recognize those who have done the most for racing. And in that endeavor Cot Campbell stands at the head of the class.

Blessed with a wonderful wife, a highly likeable personality, and a keen eye for the horse (not to say clothes), Cot has drawn literally hundreds of new owners into the game and given them a grand time in the process.

Racing is lucky to have such a good friend in Cot Campbell. And so am I!

* * *

Gary BiszantzCot Campbell's leadership on Thoroughbred Industry issues has always been clear and forthright with integrity being the high note. Dogwood's success as a syndicate leader is unparalleled. Many of Dogwood's partners could do it alone, but choose to stay involved because Cot and Anne do it so well and make it fun for all. What better way to learn the intricacies of owning and racing Thoroughbreds than to be led by Cot Campbell. Congratulations, Cot, you are deserving, and the industry knows it.

* * *

Dr. Robert CopelanAlong with his gracious "first lady," this innovative, articulate man is one of racing's great ambassadors. By his astute direction, and with gusto, he has made participation in racing possible for countless new owners, treating them to the style, and the spirit, and the beauty, of our wonderful sport.

* * *

Joe HirschCot has been an outstanding man for racing ever since he became associated with the sport.

* * * Jack SadlerIn 1976, I was the groom for Moona's Dust, a filly owned by Cot Campbell and Dogwood Stable. This marked the beginning of a 28-year relationship that has grown from groom to vice president with many job descriptions in between, and sees no end in sight. The Dogwood family reaches far and wide and has shared many forever lasting highs and some quickly forgotten lows over the years. I have never "worked" a day in my life. With Dogwood Stable, it has been a labor of love and a way of life made oh so special by Cot and Anne Campbell.

* * *

Furman BisherA few years ago as I sat at a table beneath the trees at Newmarket, a friendly English couple asked to join me, and a convivial conversation ensued. Before I even mentioned that I was from Georgia - they obviously could tell I had some grits in my voice - they told me of a Thoroughbred meeting they had attended the week before at which the speaker was an interesting American named Campbell, who spoke of the syndication of horse ownership. I was delighted to tell them that said Mr. Campbell was a friend of mine, and we went on from there.

As you see, Cot's influence and business acumen has spread around the Thoroughbred industry. He has become one of Georgia's most prominent citizens - though he resides across the line in South Carolina - and his success in the world of Thoroughbreds has made us all proud. My congratulations to him, and to the TCA for its intelligent selection.

* * *

Terence CollierWhile Cot is our Honored Guest, we should speak of him as one half of the entry, 1 and 1A, with his redoubtable wife Anne alongside him in the gate.

Through Dogwood Stable, no two people have done more to introduce owners to the world of Thoroughbred racing, to accept its vicissitudes, celebrate its great moments of triumph, and keep them coming back for more.

Congratulations.

* * *

Henry WhiteCongratulations, Cot, on being honored by the Thoroughbred Club of America. You and Anne have done a fine job over the years and bring new people into the business. The good part is a lot of the new people have learned to enjoy the horse business and are still with us. Thanks, and keep up the good work. Sorry Kathy and I cannot be with you on the night you are honored.

* * *

Ed BowenCot's love of Thoroughbred racing was only one ingredient that was necessary for the creation of Dogwood Stable. It took considerable resolve and something of a gambler's heart to make a career change that placed the future on buying and racing horses. That he and Anne have made the journey so delightful for others, as well as successful, is an admirable added element to the tale. I look forward to following the continuing success of two exceptional friends.

* * * Elwood McCannI am delighted to be part of this evening in honor of Cot Campbell. My best impression of him is as a man of loyalty and fairness to his employees and clientele. He has made tremendous contributions to the Thoroughbred industry in more ways than anyone I know of. I am most grateful to have been a friend of his for over 33 years.